Blum The molecular motion of polymers at solid surfaces must certainly play a critical role in the physical properties of materials used in a variety of applications from advanced composites to electronic devices. Despite this critical dependence, little is known about the molecular mobility in these very thin layers which can be on the order of 10 to 100 ngstroms thick. This is because these layers are too thin for their mobility to be probed by conventional techniques. This Small Grant for Exploratory Research will initiate studies to probe the interfacial mobility of homopolymers adsorbed on solid surfaces. Deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy will be used to probe the mobility of specifically deuterated polymers. Methyl-group deuterated poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(methyl acrylate) will be used and adsorbed on silica at differing amounts. The deuterium NMR spectra of the bulk and surface adsorbed materials will be used to determine how the dynamics (molecular motion) of the adsorbed polymers vary as a function as the distance from the surface binding sites. %%% If successful, these exploratory studies will provide a unique view of the dynamics of these interfacial materials and the results should allow the development of composite materials with enhanced performance.
